World History

What becomes more important than biology for survival according to the lecture notes?

Culture.

What is stated about survival in the lecture notes?

It is not always survival of the fittest, but survival of the smartest.

When did history begin according to the lecture?

History began when writing began, around 5,000 years ago.

What is an artifact?

An object made by a human being.

What anthropological evidence do we rely on to understand prehistoric peoples?

We know of prehistoric people through artifacts and human remains or fossils.

What influenced evolution according to Chapter 2.1 notes?

Climate, diet, survival strategies.

What social structure is discussed regarding job importance in societies?

Social classes; jobs perceived as more important placed individuals higher in social classes.

What was Hammurabi's code?

A significant set of laws proclaimed by Hammurabi in Mesopotamia.

What characterized the civilizations alongside the rivers according to the notes?

The introduction of farming allowed larger populations to settle in one place.

What did the Egyptians believe about death?

Death was a journey across the Nile.

Whose reign is known as the greatest king in ancient Egypt?

Ramses the Great.

How do nomadic societies compare to settled societies in terms of gender roles?

Nomadic societies had more fluid gender roles and allowed women to participate in activities like horseback riding and combat.

What were the political reforms introduced during the time of Cleisthenes in Athens?

Establishment of a Council of Five Hundred and reorganization of citizens into ten tribes.

What event is known as the turning point for the Greek victory in the Persian Wars?

The Battle of Salamis.

Who was known for creating a law code for Athens?

Solon.

What did Alexander the Great achieve during his conquests?

He created a large and powerful empire, extending from Greece to Egypt and India.

What symbolizes the Greek city-state governance and was aimed for the greater good?

The Polis.

How did the Greeks win the Persian Wars despite significant odds?

Through strategic alliances and superior military tactics, particularly with the phalanx formation.

What was the focus of Spartan education?

Military training and discipline.

How did the environment affect the Indus Valley Civilization?

Environmental factors like soil salinization contributed to its decline.

Who were the Minoans?

The earliest civilization in Ancient Greece, known for their advanced societies on the island of Crete.

What is the significance of the Parthenon in ancient Athens?

A temple built to honor the goddess Athena and symbolize Athenian power.

What does the term Hellenistic refer to?

The period of Greek history and cultural influence that followed the conquests of Alexander the Great.

What role did Ziggurats serve in Mesopotamian culture?

They served as temples for worshiping their deities.

What was significant about the Rosetta Stone?

Key to decoding ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.

What is the primary purpose of the Delian League?

To defend against Persia and liberate Greek cities.

What did the Great Pyramids of Egypt represent?

Tombs built for pharaohs as expressions of their divine status.

What was the role of philosophy and the arts during the Golden Age of Athens?

A period marked by cultural achievements and intellectual growth, questioning traditional beliefs.

What did Socrates emphasize in his teaching method?

Questioning and dialogue to stimulate critical thinking.

What rivers was Mesopotamia between

Between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

What rivers was Egypt on

The Nile river.

What rivers was China with

The Yellow River (Huang He) and the Yangtze River (Chang Jiang).

What river was the Indus River Valley civilization on

The Indus River

Who was first, Darius or Xerxes

Darius (Alphabetical order is how I remember it)

What did Phidippides yelled what after the Battle of Marathon

nike

How did the Persian War start?

The rebellion of the Ionians, followed by the invasion of the Persians and the Ionians asking the Athenians and Spartans for help

Territories conquered by Alexander

Greece, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, India

Order of Chinese Dynasties

Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han

Oracle bones

Ancient Chinese bones used for divination and written records.

Moksha

The ultimate goal in Hinduism to break the cycle of reincarnation.

Karma

A Hindu concept emphasizing the influence of good deeds and moral behavior on a person's status in life.

Neolithic Revolution

The gradual shift from hunter-gatherers to an agricultural society, marking the beginning of a settled human society.

Cuneiform

A new and more advanced writing system created by Mesopotamians.

Mandate of Heaven

The favor of the gods that conferred a right to rule but could be lost by those deemed less worthy.

Confucianism

A philosophy founded by Confucius focusing on moral character and social harmony.

Daoism

A philosophy that emphasizes going with the flow and allowing nature to do what it must do.

Legalism

A philosophy that emphasizes strict adherence to laws and harsh punishments.